Have you seen the musical Come From Away? I saw it a couple of years ago, and while I’ve never been to Newfoundland, I now have a huge desire to go visit! When I saw that this book was available and it was about a woman who goes to teach in a small town in Newfoundland, I couldn’t grab it fast enough.
The New Girl in Little Cove is a May 2021 release from Graydon House
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, see disclosures for more detail.
About the Book:
After the local French teacher scandalizes the fishing village of Little Cove, Newfoundland, by running off with a priest, the school looks to the mainland to fill the job quickly. They want someone who can uphold their Catholic values and keep a motley group of largely unwilling students in line.
The position is filled by mainlander Rachel O’Brien—technically a Catholic (baptized!), technically a teacher (honors degree!)—who’s desperate to leave her current mess of a life behind. She isn’t surprised that her students don’t see the value of learning French. But she is surprised that she can barely understand their English… Is it a compliment or insult to be called a sleeveen? (Insult.) And the anonymous notes left on her car, telling her to go home, certainly don’t help to make her feel welcome.
Still, she is quickly drawn into the island’s traditional music and culture, and into the personal lives of her crusty but softhearted landlady, Lucille, her reluctant students and her fellow teacher Doug Bishop. But when her beliefs clash with church and community, she makes a decision that throws her career into jeopardy. In trying to help a student, has she gone too far?
My Thoughts:
I gave this book 4 stars
I absolutely adored my time with this book!
Rachel is a mainlander (from Toronto) who takes a teaching job in the very tiny town of Little Cove, Newfoundland. Her trials and tribulations are there for everyone to see. She struggles with the language and traditions of a province that isn’t too far from her home yet feels a world away. There is some romance, some humor, and some exploration of deeper topics that I wasn’t expecting. Throughout everything, Rachel and the various residents learn about acceptance and friendship.
I could really relate to Rachel and the challenges she faces. Even though I’ve never been to Newfoundland (I want to though!) I think many of us reading this can identify with being the new person in a place or situation. I liked the 80s time period, because it let us get to know the characters more without the intrusion of present-day technology and for this book it really fit.
If you’ve seen the musical Come From Away (set in Gander, Newfoundland with the events of 9/11), some of the phrasing will be familiar and cause you to smile. There’s a glossary included so you shouldn’t get too lost!
I highly recommend this quirky, humorous, yet poignant novel about making the best of an unfamiliar situation and learning to fit in when you feel completely different. I loved my time with these characters.
About the Author:
Damhnait Monaghan was born and grew up in Canada but now lives in the UK. Her novella in flash ‘The Neverlands’ was voted Best Novella in the 2020 Saboteur Awards (UK). Her debut novel ‘New Girl in Little Cove’ will be published by HarperCollins Canada in March 2021 and Graydon House Books (US) in May 2021. Her flash fiction has won or placed in various competitions and is widely published and anthologised. Her writing has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Best Small Fiction and Best Microfictions.
Twitter: @Downith
Instagram: @Downith1
Facebook: @AuthorDMonaghan
